5 bobcat kittens orphaned in Louisville rescued by wildlife center

The last of five bobcat kittens is recovering with its siblings at a Colorado wildlife rehabilitation center after their mother was killed.

Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Longmont is caring for bobcat kittens found in Louisville last week. Five bobcat babies were initially seen in a Louisville backyard over several days. A lactating female bobcat was later found killed on the road nearby.

"They're not really at the stage where they can hunt by themselves, take care of themselves, they still do rely on mom," said Amanda Manoa, the animal care supervisor, who estimates the kittens are about 5 weeks old.

She said bobcat kittens usually stay with their moms for 11 months.

As with any wild animal rescued in Colorado, the hope is to return them to their natural habitat as soon as they've exemplified the skills needed to survive in the wild.

A Louisville Police Department wildlife officer and a homeowner were able to trap three bobcat kittens over two days and bring them to Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

On Friday, another resident noticed a shaking baby bobcat in a tree. A tree expert was able to coax the kitten out of the tree so it could be reunited with its brothers and sisters at the wildlife center.

Unfortunately, the smallest of the four kittens died overnight Sunday, but the rehab center said the other three are doing well.

If anyone spots the last kitten, the rehab center asks they text 720-722-3088. They ask people refrain from calling to keep the line open for other wildlife emergencies.